Long considered
the ultimate blue gemstone, sapphire’s mood swings
from the coolest and quietest shades to the most vibrant
and lusty blues imaginable. And sapphire doesn’t
stop there. You’ll discover some sapphires – often
referred to as fancy sapphires because they aren’t
blue – in shades of pink, purple,
orange, yellow, gold and green, ranging from soft pastels
to vibrant hues that shout with excitement.
Varied and
versatile – the choice is yours!
Sapphire, the celestial gemstone long associated with
the sky and the heavens, has been revered by humanity
for thousands of years. Symbolizing truth, honesty and
faithfulness, sapphire is an excellent choice for an
engagement ring or any piece of jewelry given as a gift
of love.
As with most gemstones, the finest sapphires,
no matter their color, are a vibrant hue with a medium
tone. Extremely dark, almost black sapphires and extremely
pale sapphires are among the most affordable. When shopping
for a sapphire, let your own personal taste guide you.
Birthstone
Sapphire is the birthstone for September.
Origins
An important historical source of fine quality sapphire
is the Kashmir district of India in the Himalayas. Current
sources include Australia, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand
and the United States.
Treatments
Almost all sapphire on the market today has been heat treated
to improve its appearance. Heat-enhanced sapphire is very
stable.
Care
Sapphire is hard and durable. Sapphires can be cleaned using
an ultrasonic cleaning machine, any commercial jewelry cleaner
or plain soap and water using a soft brush. Be sure to rinse
and dry your jewelry thoroughly after cleaning.
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